Pancreatitis Sucks!
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This February our life was completely flipped upside down. One day my husband was the typical fun loving guy, he worked hard to provide for his family, and always put our needs before his own. Then the next everything changed.
What we believed was the flu sent Mike to the hospital near our hometown mid February. After a CT scan they informed us that Mike did not have the flu, he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The doctor said that it was caught early enough and after few days in the hospital with fluids, antibiotics, and pain meds he'd be as good as new.
Things went as planned. Mike improved enough after a week to come home and life began to return to normal. He took a few days off to recoup before he went back to work. Returning to work on a Monday Mike came home after just a few hours sicker than ever. After a quick doctor's visit he was encouraged to take a little more time off to rest, go back to a liquid diet, and his condition will improve. They didn't.
A week ago Friday Mike returned to the E.R.
That's when everything changed.
Another CT scan showed a possible life threatening condition. His pancreas was dying and a huge blood clot was cutting off blood supply to the spleen and liver. Time was critical. He was rushed to the only hospital that could handle such a complicated case, IU University Hospital in Indianapolis.
Here we are one week later. Mike has put up a hell of a fight. His condition was treated aggressively and after a stent placement surgery he is working his way to a new normal. Finally there is talk of him coming home soon!
That's where I need help.
Mike will be coming home with a feeding tube. We have to pay for the pump and supplies out of pocket before he is released. The cost is outrageous.
Mike has done so much for so many. He is just devastated by this whole ordeal and the timing of it all.
I'm looking into additional employment and the hospital is also bidding to several charities for us.
This is step one of a long journey for Mike. Several surgeries ahead and likelihood of other health issues resulting from the permanently damaged pancreas.
But with the love of our friends and family we know we'll come out stronger in the end.
Any help, no matter how small, is truly appreciated. Even if only able to pay mike a visit after we are home would mean the world to us.
Thanks everyone :)
What we believed was the flu sent Mike to the hospital near our hometown mid February. After a CT scan they informed us that Mike did not have the flu, he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The doctor said that it was caught early enough and after few days in the hospital with fluids, antibiotics, and pain meds he'd be as good as new.
Things went as planned. Mike improved enough after a week to come home and life began to return to normal. He took a few days off to recoup before he went back to work. Returning to work on a Monday Mike came home after just a few hours sicker than ever. After a quick doctor's visit he was encouraged to take a little more time off to rest, go back to a liquid diet, and his condition will improve. They didn't.
A week ago Friday Mike returned to the E.R.
That's when everything changed.
Another CT scan showed a possible life threatening condition. His pancreas was dying and a huge blood clot was cutting off blood supply to the spleen and liver. Time was critical. He was rushed to the only hospital that could handle such a complicated case, IU University Hospital in Indianapolis.
Here we are one week later. Mike has put up a hell of a fight. His condition was treated aggressively and after a stent placement surgery he is working his way to a new normal. Finally there is talk of him coming home soon!
That's where I need help.
Mike will be coming home with a feeding tube. We have to pay for the pump and supplies out of pocket before he is released. The cost is outrageous.
Mike has done so much for so many. He is just devastated by this whole ordeal and the timing of it all.
I'm looking into additional employment and the hospital is also bidding to several charities for us.
This is step one of a long journey for Mike. Several surgeries ahead and likelihood of other health issues resulting from the permanently damaged pancreas.
But with the love of our friends and family we know we'll come out stronger in the end.
Any help, no matter how small, is truly appreciated. Even if only able to pay mike a visit after we are home would mean the world to us.
Thanks everyone :)
Organizer
Lisa Marie Riegle
Organizer
Mount Ayr, IN
